Be warm and safe as temperatures drop
There are probably a few old remedies and myths you’ve heard about keeping warm or saving money during the holidays, but some of these can be dangerous.
It’s important to know what not to do to keep warm or protect your home as the temperatures begin to drop. We recommend avoiding these falsehoods this winter.
DON’T: Sleep with an electric blanket
While these blankets can help keep you warm and cozy on a cold night, it’s best not to sleep with them. Although a new electric blanket is unlikely to cause harm, it’s best to put it away at night and dispose of damaged ones to avoid being burned.
DON’T: Run your oven to stay warm
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against using an oven as a heating source because it could cause a carbon monoxide buildup inside your home and lead to CO poisoning. For extra safety, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
DON’T: Overload electrical circuits
From heaters to holiday lights, we plug in a lot during the winter season, but it’s important to keep in mind the dangers of overloading electrical circuits. If you plug too many cords into an outlet or a power strip, you could put yourself at risk of overheated wires.
DON’T: Set oven mitts, potholders, or other combustibles on your oven
While cooking, these types of items are good to use to keep safe from burns. But when you are done using them, be mindful of where you set them down.
DON’T: Perform electrical work in your home
You should routinely schedule electrical safety checks to keep your home safe, but never perform one of these yourself. Hire a certified electrician for inspections, wiring, and installation jobs.
For more safety tips, visit pec.coop/safety.
